Peter Topp

‘Toppy’ has worked at all levels of Sport in numerous roles over three decades. Holding positions with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) (now Sport Australia), Touch Football Australia (TFA), the Federation of International Touch (FIT), Commonwealth Games and FIBA Oceania.

Toppy has managed a team that developed and rolled out the initial National Officiating Scholarships (NOS) program which developed and delivered tailored programs for high performance sports officials. Toppy instigated structural changes moving it from a direct grant program to a specialist service provider program. The program’s success can be measured by the increased number of elite officials who have subsequently achieved national and international accreditation and appointments.

As a volunteer Board Member of Federation of International Touch (FIT) Toppy is acutely aware of the support needs for international sport. In the role of Sports Development Director, Toppy facilitate the international development of the sport to grow the competence of coaches, officials and players. Whilst the sport relatively small internationally, it is unique in providing equal opportunity for men and women, as well as mixed competition for both.

Elite sport is a unique circumstance that requires specific skills and knowledge. Involvement, either as a player, official or administrator, at the highest level requires commitment, dedication and no room for error. Toppy understands the requirement of individuals to participate and endeavour to facilitate that.

Toppy has been involved at all levels of sport from Head Coach of the Papua New Guinea National Touch Football teams (Mens and Mixed), Workforce development in China, facilitated the formation of a national sporting organisation for Singapore Touch, visited India to deliver training for coaches and referees and delivered Sport for Development programs in the Pacific, all of which have helped him gain valuable insight into the requirements of athletes, coaches, officials and administrators.

Toppy looks forward to being involved with the Officiating Collective to deliver quality mentoring programs targeting Officials at all levels.